Forensics

XRD and XRF for phase and elemental analysis / RAMAN for chemical identification

X-ray analytical methods have a long history as important tools used to investigate and establish facts in criminal or civil courts of law. Law enforcement at local, state, national, and international levels, as well as customs offices, routinely use X-ray tools to identify, compare or analyze unknown materials. Small spot X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive method that can not only identify and quantify a vast number of atomic elements but also generate area maps of elemental distribution. Common applications include mapping of Pb and Cu residue from bullet holes in clothing, glass chip analysis, ink content and residue analysis. X-ray diffraction (XRD) can identify chemical phases in complete unknowns. For both techniques, quantitative results can be obtained without the use of standards. Rigaku's new Raman spectrometer series are also perfect for chemical or organic materials identification, whether in the lab or in the field.